[Yamanashi Prefecture] “Yamanashi Prefecture Local Traditional Crafts Exhibition” will be held! In addition to exhibitions, there will also be demonstrations by craftsmen and production experiences that visitors can participate in!
Yamanashi Prefecture Press release: November 8, 2024 “Yamanashi Prefecture Local Traditional Crafts Exhibition” will be held! In addition to exhibitions, there will also be demonstrations by craftsmen and production experiences that visitors can participate in! Held for 14 days from November 8th (Friday) to November 21st (Thursday) at Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square (Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo) Yamanashi Prefecture (Governor: Kotaro Nagasaki) has been holding the “Local Traditional Crafts Joint Exhibition” since 1994, with the aim of developing local traditional crafts as an industry and promoting understanding within and outside the
prefecture. We are holding exhibitions with a collection of products, demonstrations by craftsmen, and hands-on production experiences. This year as well, in order to provide an opportunity for many people inside and outside of the prefecture to learn about Yamanashi Prefecture’s local traditional crafts, and to expand our sales channels to the Tokyo metropolitan area, we will be opening the “Traditional Crafts Aoyama”, which handles a wide range of traditional crafts from all over the country. “Yamanashi Prefecture Local Traditional Crafts Exhibition” will be held at “Square”. For 14 days from November 8th (Friday) to November 21st (Thursday), in addition to exhibitions, we will promote local traditional crafts by holding demonstrations by craftsmen and hands-on production experiences that visitors can participate in.
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(experience/explanation) November 18th (Monday): Koshu Inden (experience) November 19th (Tuesday): Koshu Inden (experience), Koshu Tebori Impression (experience) November 20th (Wednesday), 21st (Thursday): Koshu hand carved seal (experience) *For details on demonstrations and production experiences, please see the “Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square” homepage below.
https://kougeihin.jp/event/20241108/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/78927/317/78927-317-7cc0c536b0425e0c53b89d553f25ff7e-300×300.png Please see the flyer below for exhibition details.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/78927/317/78927-317-9da014ee8ad7a5ab204ccfe617f8e753-1908×2700.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/78927/317/78927-317-a0b6f6fbae5a02e199446e81b9049c6b-1908×2700.jpg *Please see the following website for details on Yamanashi
Prefecture’s local traditional crafts.
https://www.pref.yamanashi.jp/shouko/kogyo/densan/index.html Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/78927/317/78927-317-2ab3d104d8f177d0045ed1a4806ac546-450×450.png [About 13 local traditional crafts] In Yamanashi Prefecture, 13 traditional crafts have been certified as “local traditional crafts” (3 of which are nationally designated traditional crafts). ■ Koshu crystal precious stone work (nationally designated traditional craft) Indoor ornaments such as Buddha statues and decorative items such as brooches made of natural crystal. It began with the discovery of raw crystal in the Ontake Shosenkyo Gorge. During the Edo period, crystal polishing techniques were improved, and during the Meiji period, techniques for engraving crystals were developed. This sophisticated crystal polishing and engraving technique is also the foundation of Yamanashi, a jewelry production area. ■ Koshu Inden (nationally designated traditional craft) Leather crafts have been passed down in Yamanashi Prefecture for over 400 years. Using a unique processing method, the supple deerskin is patterned with lacquer, and the more you use it, the more it will fit in your hand and become more attached to it. In addition to traditional patterns, there are many stylish patterns and designs that are popular among all generations. ■ Koshu hand-carved seal (nationally designated traditional craft) The history of Yamanashi’s stamp industry begins with the discovery of large, high-quality crystal ore in the Mitake Mountains. In the Meiji period, when ordinary people began to use seals, Yamanashi seals quickly spread throughout Japan through the peddling routes established during the Edo period, and became widely known. Today, craftsmen have created a brand called “Denshoin” that incorporates new stamp materials. ■ Koshu Amehata inkstone Amehata inkstones, which are made from a stone called “Amehata Shinseki” that was discovered in the upper reaches of the Hayakawa River about 300 years ago, are excellent inkstones that absorb little water and have good ink retention. It is highly praised not only for its practical use but also as an artistic work. ■ Koshu Oishi pongee textile This is a hand-woven silk fabric that has been continued since the Edo period in the Oishi area on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi. It underwent repeated improvements during the Meiji and Taisho eras, and became the Oishi Tsumugi of today. Oishi pongee is durable, light, soft, and sturdy, and has a unique texture that combines the advantages of cotton and pongee textiles. ■ Nishijima handmade Japanese paper Created under the leadership of Takeda Shingen, this washi paper was produced through various improvements in technology and materials, and is characterized by its unique ink color, smearing, and brush feel. We make high quality Japanese paper such as calligraphy paper and bridal paper. ■ Koshu warrior streamer/carp streamer Musha nobori started from the flags of samurai. In Yamanashi, around the end of the Edo period, people started putting up banners for Boys’ Festival as picture scrolls of brave warriors, with the hope that their children would grow up to be as strong and big as Takeda Shingen. Using techniques that have remained unchanged since the Edo period, all 100% cotton fabric is hand-dyed using original designs from the time. ■ Parent and child daruma This Daruma doll has a history of about 400 years and has a unique style that holds a child in its belly, which is rare in Japan. The reason why he has a beard even though he is a child is because his parents want him to be better than his parents. It is gaining popularity for its unique and adorable appearance. ■ Koshu Onigawara The Onigawara tiles, which have been made in the Kagami area of Wakakusa, Minami Alps City since the mid-Edo period, are all handmade using traditional techniques. His facial expression is a mix of sternness and kindness, which is popular. They come in a variety of sizes and are popular as family amulets. ■ Ichikawa Daimon handmade Japanese paper Its origins date back to the Heian period, and from the end of the Middle Ages it was protected and developed as the official paper of the Takeda family, and in the Edo period as the official paper of the shogunate. They make art paper and art paper using mulberry and mitsumata as raw materials, and new paper is also being made using grape bark. ■ Yamanashi Precious Jewel Beautiful gemstones are created by polishing raw crystal stones through multiple processes by skilled craftsmen. Various items such as rings, pendants, and tie pins are made here. ■ Fuji Katsuyama tin bamboo crafts The making of monkeys, which has been passed down in this region since the early Edo period at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, uses tin bamboo that grows wild near the second station of Mt. Fuji. Colanders with fine eyes and supple curves are delicate yet sturdy, and are popular as both practical items and interior decorations. ■ Koshu Fireworks (newly certified in March 2020) It was born and developed from the beacons of the Takeda Shingen era and the townspeople’s fireworks of the Edo era. In addition to fireworks displays, many fireworks that only make sounds are also set off to signal festival events. They are set off at fireworks festivals all over the country, including the Shinmei Fireworks, and brightly decorate the night sky.
